“So Miss Yun has been remarkable since childhood,” Sui Tingheng softly remarked.
“Remarkable?” Fuyi was puzzled. “Your Imperial Highness, what do you mean by that?”
“As the child of the Yun family, others expect you to be highly accomplished and talented. But you disregarded those expectations and pursued what you loved, daring to defy rumors and openly express your dislike—this is something most people lack the courage to do.” Sui Tingheng explained, “Countless people live under the scrutiny of society’s judgment. Yet, as a child, you achieved what many adults dare not attempt. That’s remarkable.”
Skipping lessons to learn martial arts had suddenly become something extraordinary when described by Sui Tingheng—Fuyi began to understand why nearly everyone spoke highly of this gentle prince, since she found herself flattered.
‘With such eloquence, who could resist? Certainly not me.’
Xiayu and Qiushuang exchanged stunned looks. So, their Miss has been this remarkable all along, and it is their fault for not realizing her talents sooner… is it?
“Thank you, Your Imperial Highness, for your kind words.”
‘So, please stop flattering me. If you keep praising me, I might actually believe it!’
“I’m not talking out of politeness; it’s simply the truth,” Sui Tingheng smiled warmly.
The mesmerized Fuyi made a vow to herself: ‘From this moment on, I, Yun Fuyi, declare solemnly that Sui Tingheng is my favorite scholar after Father and Eldest Brother.’
…
Meanwhile, in Zhaoyang Palace, the Empress glanced at Princess Kangyang, who had been sitting for half an hour without showing any intention of leaving. ‘Is she planning to stay for lunch?’ the Empress wondered. However, she had already invited Fuyi to join her for the meal, and if she remembered correctly, there seemed to be some unpleasant misunderstandings between the girl and Princess Kangyang.
Seeing that Princess Kangyang was still hesitant to state her purpose even as mealtime approached, the Empress was about to serve tea as a subtle hint to ask her to leave. “Your Majesty, this old woman has come today with a favor to ask,” Princess Kangyang finally began, stumbling over her words. “There is a grandnephew in this old woman’s husband’s family, who has just reached his coming-of-age this year. He is a scholarly boy who has loved poetry and literature since childhood. Last month, he earned the Emperor’s favor in the palace examination and was named the Zhuangyuan.”1
“Are you referring to Liu Zihe?” The Empress remembered this young man. He was not only very talented for his age but also quite handsome, with the refined features typical of a scholar.
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Seeing that the Empress had an impression of Liu Zihe, Princess Kangyang sighed in relief. “The child has worked hard in his studies since childhood and has no one by his side to share his life with. Just recently, his mother came to me and mentioned that he had someone in mind.”
Princess Kangyang waited for the Empress to inquire further, but when no such question came, she had no choice but to boldly continue, “However, when his mother mentioned the name of the girl, this old woman knew I was of no help.”
The Empress had a clear idea by now. If someone of Princess Kangyang’s status could not bring up the match, it was either because the girl’s identity was very special or there was a discord between her family and Princess Kangyang’s. “Who might this girl be, that even you, Aunt, find it difficult to act as a matchmaker?” the Empress asked with a smile.
“Well… this girl comes from an excellent family and is known as one of the wandering chevaliers in the capital. She is a perfect match for a Liu family’s son,” Princess Kangyang said, her cheeks slightly flushed. “This old woman begs Your Majesty for assistance in bringing this matter to fruition.”
“Wandering chevalier?” The Empress was taken aback. She wasn’t unfamiliar with this term—apparently, the group of capital’s young idlers liked to call themselves ‘wandering chevalier.’ For someone like Liu Zihe, barely twenty and already the Zhuangyuan, to be interested in such a girl was quite unexpected. “Aunt, who is this person you speak of?”
“None other than the precious pearl of Minister Yun’s family, Miss Yun Fuyi.” Kangyang was reluctant to say the name, but she also didn’t want to face her sister-in-law’s tears if she returned empty-handed.
“What?” The Empress sat up straight. “Liu Zihe has feelings for Fuyi?”
No wonder Princess Kangyang had come to her. The princess had privately badmouthed Fuyi multiple times for ‘bullying’ her darling grandson, and now she had to act as a matchmaker for her sister-in-law’s grandson. It was only natural that she found it awkward.
The Empress had originally thought that a serious literati like Liu Zihe would prefer a scholarly and demure woman. Who would have guessed he had the same taste as her—favoring spirited girls?
“Yes, Your Majesty. That child has admired Miss Yun for a long time, but…” Princess Kangyang paused. Obviously, it wouldn’t do anyone any good to mention Ning Wang’s past closeness to Yun Fuyi, so she quickly changed her words. “…since Miss Yun was still young back then, and he himself was still a mere student without any title or achievement, he waited until now to bring it up.”
“But Aunt, this is not something you should be asking of me,” the Empress said with a laugh. “Why not have someone discreetly inquire with Minister Yun and his wife before proceeding further?”
Princess Kangyang hesitated, unable to say that she had already tried this avenue and failed, which was why she had turned to the Empress.
“Greetings, Mother Empress; Greetings, Great Aunt Kangyang.” Sui Tingheng strode into the reception hall. “Are you in the middle of a conversation?”
“Tingheng is growing more and more refined,” Princess Kangyang said warmly upon seeing the prince. “This old woman was discussing a marriage proposal with your mother empress. By the way, Your Majesty, Tingheng’s capping ceremony2 is coming up. Is there a candidate for his future consort?”
“There’s no rush for that.” The Empress brushed the topic aside. “This Palace isn’t one to worry over such things; let’s leave it to His Majesty to decide.”
Seeing that the Empress didn’t want to talk about this topic, Princess Kangyang wisely pivoted back to her agenda. “As for Liu Zihe, Your Majesty, you know how gentle and considerate he is. If Miss Yun were to marry into the Liu family, he would undoubtedly treat her well—”
“Which Miss Yun?” Sui Tingheng’s gaze suddenly turned sharp.
“T-the daughter of Minister Yun…” Princess Kangyang stammered, taken aback by the sudden intensity in his demeanor.
“When was this marriage proposal mentioned?” Sui Tingheng turned to the Empress.
“This is far from a settled matter. The Liu family may have such intentions, but the Yun family knows nothing of it yet. Don’t go spreading it around,” the Empress instructed as she glanced around the hall. “Where is Fuyi? Why are you alone?”
“Your Majesty, this subject daughter’s here.” Fuyi entered the hall, carrying a bundle of bright red peach blossoms in her arms. “On our way here, this subject daughter found a particularly vibrant peach blossom tree and wanted to bring some for Your Majesty.”
She handed the flowers to a palace maid, then seemed to notice Princess Kangyang for the first time and curtsied. “This subject daughter greets Princess Kangyang.”
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- Palace examination is the last step of the imperial examination. As the name suggests, the venue is the imperial palace, often with the Emperor personally present. Zhuangyuan is the title awarded to the top scorer of the palace examination.
- Capping ceremony (冠礼) is the traditional coming-of-age for men, usually around the age of 20. The women’s counterpart is the hairpin ceremony at around the age of 14-15.